Image processing device

Abstract

The invention provides a video system comprising at least one input for receiving incoming video data and at least one output for delivering outgoing video data to a display device. The system further comprises at least one processor for converting the incoming video data into outgoing video data as a function at least of one item of information delivered by a detecting element. According to an embodiment of the invention, the detecting element is suitable for measuring at least one colorimetric characteristic of an image produced by the display device. According to another embodiment of the invention, the processor converts incoming video data into outgoing video data as a function at least of one item of information delivered by a user. In one embodiment of the invention, the information delivered by the user represents a desired calorimetric response for different incoming data.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to video image processing systems, devices and methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Every display device has a characteristic response. Accordingly, the rendering of the images generated from identical video data by projectors made by different manufacturers will not always be the same. Consequently, the rendering of a motion picture on the display may not be the rendering approved by the director.

Moreover, the ambient light conditions in which display takes place are not always ideal and may affect the appearance of the displayed images. In particular, projectors vary in regard to output, and a higher environmental light level may be tolerated with the brightest projectors. It may prove difficult for a person to determine the acceptable degree of ambient lighting that will not compromise image quality to an inordinate extent. There is a need to improve or modify the rendering of projected images, for example to approximate more closely the appearance that has been approved by the director.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a video system comprising at least one input for receiving incoming video data and at least one output for delivering outgoing video data to a display device. The system further comprises at least one processor for converting the incoming video data into outgoing video data as a function at least of one item of information delivered by a detecting element. According to an embodiment of the invention, the detecting element is suitable for measuring at least one colorimetric characteristic of an image produced by the display device. According to another embodiment of the invention, the processor converts incoming video data into outgoing video data as a function at least of one item of information delivered by a user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in more detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a partial schematic view of a “home theater” system comprising a data processing device realized according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the processor of the device of Fig.

FIG. 3 is a partial schematic representation of the back of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the response curve of a display device.

FIG. 5 is a partial schematic representation of a laboratory processing system, and

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a movie theater equipped with a digital projector used according to one aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of the invention comprises a home theatre system. In one embodiment of the invention, a home theatre system comprises a video source for providing video data representing images to be displayed. Video sources include, for example, DVD optical disk players and demodulators. The video source is coupled to a receiver, for example via cable, satellite, antenna, Internet connection, wireless connection and the like. The receiver is coupled to a display system. In one embodiment of the invention, a display system comprises a projector and an associated screen.

Display devices, for example, projectors, have characteristic responses. That is, the rendering of the images generated from identical video data by display devices made by different manufacturers will not always be the same. Consequently, the rendering of a film on the display device may not be the rendering approved by the director.

Moreover, the ambient light conditions in which display takes place are not always ideal and may affect the appearance of the displayed images. Display devices, for example, projectors, vary in regard to light output. Higher environmental light levels are sometimes tolerated with bright projectors. It may prove difficult for a person to determine the acceptable degree of ambient lighting that will not compromise image quality. There is a need to improve or modify the rendering of projected images, for example to approximate more closely the projection conditions that have been approved by the director.

Further embodiments of the invention comprises cinema laboratories, digital intermediate processing systems and the like. One embodiment of the invention comprises a scanner, for example, a silver film scanner, an imager and a display system. In one embodiment of the invention, the display system is a projection system comprising a digital projector. The invention allows system operation such that the images displayed on the display, for example, the screen of the laboratory's projection system, and the images approved by the director correspond as faithfully as possible to those obtained on target display devices. Target display devices include, for example, projection systems in theater screening rooms, “home theater” systems, and digital cinema theatres, to name but a few.

The invention is directed to a video system comprising at least one input for receiving incoming video data and at least one output for delivering outgoing video data to a display device. The system further comprises at least one processor for converting the incoming video data into outgoing video data as a function at least of one item of information delivered by a detecting element. According to an embodiment of the invention, the detecting element is suitable for measuring at least one calorimetric characteristic of an image produced by the display device. According to another embodiment of the invention, the processor converts incoming video data into outgoing video data as a function at least of one item of information delivered by a user. In one embodiment of the invention, the information delivered by the user represents a desired colorimetric response for different incoming data.

The term “video data” refers to at least one item of information relating to a video image. Video data includes, for example, supplemental information related to the soundtrack. Video data refers to both analog and digital data. According to one embodiment of the invention, video data is transmitted according to one of the following standards: PAL, RVB, YUV, SVHS, SDI, HDSDI, USB, FIREWIRE, VGA, SGA, XGA. Other formats are suitable.

The term “processor” refers to any processing system for digital data or analog data. According to various embodiments of the invention, a processor includes one or more microprocessors, memories, graphic cards, analog-to-digital converters, etc. According to embodiments of the invention a processor is integrated into a device, for example, a computer, a projector or a television set.

In one embodiment of the invention, the display device comprises a projection system including a projector and a screen. According to other embodiments of the invention, the display device comprises at least one device selected from the group comprising: cathode-ray-tubes, liquid-crystal displays, liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) displays, and Spatial Light Modulated (SLM) displays.

The term “projector” likewise refers to projectors associated with screens used in both reflection and transmission, for “home theater” systems, theater screening rooms or cinema laboratories. One embodiment of a projector comprises, for example, a halogen lamp and a set of colored liquid-crystal matrices or plural colored light sources and a set of mirrors, each of which is controlled in movement, for example by means of a piezoelectric motor.

By means of the invention, video data are processed before they are sent to the display device such that specific calorimetric characteristics of the display device are factored in. For instance, the video data, for example, is processed before being sent to the display device in such manner as to yield the desired overall response for the processing device and the display device.

In an embodiment of the invention, the device is housed for example, in a case. The case includes connectors for coupling to the processor in order to transmit and receive the incoming video data and the outgoing video data.

In one embodiment, the device comprises at least one indicator to show whether a predetermined ambient light condition for the projection of a film is met. To this end, the detecting element comprises, for example, a sensor configured to measure ambient light intensity. According to one embodiment of the invention, the detecting element is movable relative to the processor. Alternativelly, the detecting element is fixed in relation to the processor. When the detecting element is movable, one embodiment of the invention comprises a wireless lind for coupling the detecting element to the processor.

In on embodiment of the invention, the device inlcudes a selector for allowing a user to choose among plural processing options for the incoming video data, depending on the rendering desired by the user. The detecting element comprises a sensor configured to measure, for example, the red, green and blue levels in the projected image.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the processor is configured to send the display device reference data permitting the display of at least one image serving to perform measurements on the screen of the display device. The processor is configured to determine the response of the display device as a function of at least one item of information transmitted by the detecting element when the aforesaid image is displayed.

One embodiment of the invention is directed to a “home theater” system. The home theatre system comprises a video source comprising an optical disk player or a video data receiver and a projection system comprising a projector and a screen. A video data processing device receives data from the source and transmits the data, after processing, to the projector.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a theater screening room comprises a video source comprising a player of a medium on which video data are recorded. Alternatively, the video source comprises a video data receiver. At least one projection system comprises a projector and a screen disposed in the screening room. At least one video data processing device as defined hereinabove, receives data from the source and transmits the data, after processing, to the projector.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a video data processing method. The method comprises, converting incoming video data into outgoing video data by the application of a correction function that factors in the colorimetric response of at least one device, such as a digital projector, to which the outgoing data are being sent.

The term “calorimetric response” refers to the color actually produced by the device when it receives a corresponding data item. According to some embodiments of the invention, the calorimetric response refers to the steady-state response, i.e., the response of the device when the incoming data item is invariable over time, which is the case, for example, when the image remains the same during projection.

An example embodiment of a display environment, in this case a home theatre system 100, is illustrated in FIG. 1. Home theatre system 100 comprises a processing device 2 realized according to the invention, configured to receive incoming video data from a video source 3, for example a DVD optical disk player or a demodulator or decoder, and to supply outgoing video data to a display device. In the example of FIG. 1 the display device comprises a projection system that includes a projector 4 and an associated screen (not shown). Other display devices suitable for use in home theatre system 100 include non projection display devices.

According to one embodiment of the invention, processing device 2 includes a housing 5 and further comprises a detecting element 6 that is movable in relation to housing 5. Detecting element 6 comprises at least one optical sensor 7. Detecting element 6 is configured, in the example considered, to transmit data from sensor 7 to housing 5 via a wireless, radio or infrared link. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, detecting element 6 is provided integral with housing 5, source 3 and projector 4. According to an embodiment of the invention, detecting element 6 comprises an optical sensor. In one embodiment of the invention, the optical sensor is associated with a sensing system for sensing light characteristics of images displayed on the display, and for determining and measuring characteristics of a displayed image characteristics based on the sensed light.

Processing device 2 comprises a processor 15, illustrated schematically in FIG. 2. Processor 15 processes incoming video data 101 and generates outgoing video data 102, as will be explained in more detail hereinbelow.

Both analog and digital data are suitable for incoming and outgoing video data. According to one embodiment of the invention, incoming analog data is converted into digital data by an analog to digital (A/D) converter 17 before being processed by the processor 15. According to another embodiment of the invention, outgoing digital data from processor 15 is converted to analog data by a digital to analog (D/A) converter 18.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a housing 5 according to an embodiment of the invention. Housing 5 comprises, on its front face, for example, at least a first connector 8 for connecting a cable 9 linking source 3 to case 5 (illustrated in FIG. 1), and a second connector 10 for connecting a cable 11 linking case 5 to projector 4. These cables 9 and 11 can comprise plural electrical or optical conductors.

The outgoing video data is digital according to one embodiment of the invention. According to alternative embodiments of the invention the outgoing digital data is analog. Further embodiments include outputs selectable between digital and analog. For an analog output, D/A convereter 18 converts outgoing data from digital to analog format.

According to one embodiment of the invention, processing device 2 comprises, for example on the front face of case 5, an indicator 12. Indicator 12 comprises, for example, at least one light-emitting element, e.g., a light emitting diode, whose illumination is controlled by processor 15. Indicator 12 indicates ambient light conditions. For example, in one embodiment, indicator 12 informs the user that certain ambient light conditions for showing a film under good conditions are met. In other words, the user is provided with an indication that the ambient light level is acceptable.

According to one embodiment of the invention, processing device 2 measures the ambient light level by means of detecting element 6. Processor 2 compares the light level detected by detecting element 6 with reference data stored in processor 15. Based on the comparison, if processor 2 determines the ambient lighting is within an acceptable range to provide an acceptable projection quality, the user is informed via indicator 12.

In a particular implementation example of the invention, two luminosity measurements are performed to determine if ambient lighting is within a range to provide an acceptable projection quality. Detecting element 6 is used to take a first measurement with respect to the screen. The first measurement is taken when the projector 4 is “off”, that is, no image is being projected. The first measurement is stored by processor 2 in a memory. A second measurement with respect to the screen is taken using detecting element 6. The second measurement is taken when a predetermined image, for example, a test image, is being sent by processing device 2 to the display device, for example, projector 4 and projected onto the screen, thus illuminating detecting element 6. Based on the first and second measurements, processor 2 determines the relationship, on the screen, between ambient luminosity and luminosity due to the projected image. Therefore according to one embodiment of the invention, processor 2 determines an acceptable level of ambient lighting based upon the luminosity of the projector.

Thus, the acceptable level of ambient light is in most cases not as high for low-brightness projectors as it is for very bright projectors. Thus, the information supplied by indicator 12, in some embodiments of the invention, depends on the particular projector 4 being used.

In one embodiment of the invention, processing device 2 comprises a display 13 to inform the user of at least one step to be taken to improve projection quality. For example, display 13 informs the user that darkening the projection room further or changing the luminosity or contrast of the projector 4 are steps to improve projection quality.

In another embodiment of the invention, processing device 2 accounts for ambient luminosity in processing the incoming video data, for example so as to brighten the images on the screen when necessary.

According to another embodiment of the invention, processing device 2 is configured to determine the calorimetric response of projector 4. To determine a colorimetric response of projector 4, processor 15 sends reference data to projector 4 and at least one measurement is performed on the projected image by means of detecting element 6.

In one embodiment of the invention, processor 15 is configured, for example, to successively project at least two different colors so as to fill at least a portion of the screen. For example, a white background, a red background, a green background and a blue background are successively projected and at least one measurement is made from each projected image by means of the detecting element 6.

In another embodiment of the invention, Processor 15 is configured so that sequences of images are projected for each color, the luminous intensity of the images in each sequence varying from one image to the next. According to one embodiment of the invention, detecting element 6 is fixed during the measurement. According to another embodiment of the invention, detecting element 6 is movable during the measurements.

In another embodiment of the invention, device 2 provides a display comprising a chart. The chart comprises a plurality of colors. Alternatively, the chart comprises a single color with a plurality of regions corresponding to different characteristics, for example, saturations and luminosities. Detecting element 6 is moved over the screen to perform a measurement in each region.

According to one embodiment of the invention, detecting element 6 is configured, for example, to measure the calorimetric coordinates of the color of at least one region of the projected image. Detecting element 6 provides the resulting information to processor 15. Processor 15, determines, for example by comparison with the reference data sent to the projector, the colorimetric difference between the color of the image as it appears on the screen and that which would have been obtained if the response of the projector had followed a predetermined law. Processor 15 thus determines the response of the projector and calculates a correction function that is used to modify the rendering of the projected images in a predetermined manner.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, plural measurements are made with detecting element 6 at various points on an image that correspond to a solid background, in order, for example, to determine the variation of luminosity or color at different points on the image and to enable processor 15 to take this into account when processing the incoming video data.

It is to be understood that various implementations of the invention will vary the physical location of processing device 2. Therefore, the location of device 2 is not limited to the exact configuration illustrated in FIG. 1. Processing device 2 is capable of location, and manufacture, at least in part, within other components of system 100. Suitable system components for implementing device 2 include source 3, projector 4 and various combinations thereof.

Likewise suitable housing means for the electronic circuits housed by housing 5 include housings of source 3 and projector 4. Likewise, the electronic circuits of source 3 and projector 4 are suitable for modification to perform at least some of the functions of processing device 2.

In one embodiment of the invention, once the response of projector 4 has been determined, processor 15 factors in the response of the projector when processing the incoming video data, in order to project a corrected image whose rendering is closer to a desired rendering, for example, to a rendering desired by the director of the film being projected.

In one embodiment of the invention, processor 15 processes the incoming video data in such a way that the combined response of processing device 2 and projector 4 substantially matches the response of the projector used when the director approved the film in the laboratory.

According to one embodiment for the processing described above, processor 15 processes the incoming video data according to a color table, also known as an LUT [look-up table]. The LUT comprises variables whose values are based upon the response of projector 4. A color table, according to various embodiments of the invention, comprises a plurality of dimensions, for example three dimensions. In some embodiments, the color table is capable of showing the influence of colors on one another.

According to one embodiment of the invention, data concerning the rendering desired by the director is transmitted to processing device 2 by source 3. In one embodiment of the invention, these data are recorded on the DVD optical disk, for example. In this case, processor 15 processes the incoming video data based upon the response of projector 4 such that the rendering on the display corresponds to that desired by the director.

According to one embodiment of the invention, processing device 2 further comprises a selector 16 that enables the user to choose among plural different renderings. Selectable renderings include, for example, tonalities (warm, cool), and selectable types of silver film.

According to another embodiment of the invention, processor 15 converts the incoming video data into outgoing video data as a function of at least one item of information input by a user, for example by means of selector 16. Therefore, in some embodiments of the invention, do not rely on a detector 6.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a response curve of the display device for a given color. This curve represents, for example, the output luminous intensity S or the screen as a function of the incoming data E, encoded, for example in eight bits, i.e. between the values 0 and 255.

In an example embodiment, the user performs an action that, for at least two different incoming values E, modifies the corresponding output values S.

Accordingly. embodiments of the selector 16 illustrated in FIG. 1 comprise three rows of control buttons, each row corresponding to a color, the buttons in a single row being used to modify the response curve for the color concerned, somewhat like adjusting an equalizer.

In some example embodiments, the intensity of a selected color is modified respectively for dim and bright light. This provides the image with first and second tonalities corresponding respectively to bright and in dim light, for example.

While foregoing is directed to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A video system comprising:

at least one input for receiving incoming video data, said incoming video data described by first calorimetric data;

at least one output for delivering outgoing video data to a display device, said outgoing data characterized by second colorimetric data;

at least one detecting element for detecting at least one displayed calorimetric characteristic of an image displayed on said display device:

at least one processor (15) for converting said incoming video data into outgoing video data as a function of said at least one detected colorimetric characteristic.

2. The video system of claim 1 further comprising a user control communicating with said at least one processor to allow said user to cause said processor to convert incoming video data into outgoing video data as a function of a color characteristic different from said measured color characteristic.

3. The video system of claim 1 wherein said at least one processor converts incoming data characterized by a first set of color characteristics into outgoing data having a second set of outgoing color characteristics different from the first as a function of said measured displayed color characteristic.

4. The video system of claim 1 wherein said first and second sets of color characteristics comprise first and second color spaces respectively.

5. The video system of claim 1 further comprising: a housing including at least two connectors (8; 10) for coupling to said processor for transmitting, respectively, said incoming video data and said outgoing video data.

6. The video system of claim 4 further comprising an indicator for indicating an ambient condition of said video system.

7. The video system of claim 1 wherein said detecting element comprises a sensor.

8. The video system of claim 7 wherein said sensor is configured to measure red, green and blue levels of said displayed image.

9. The video system of claim 1 wherein said detecting element is movable in relation to said processor. The video system of claim 1 wherein said detecting element communicates with said processor by a wireless link.

10. The video system according to claim 1 further comprising a selector (16) for selecting among a plurality of processing options for said incoming video data, depending on the rendering desired by the user.

11. The video system according to claim 1 wherein said processor is configured to send said display device reference data corresponding to a reference image and permitting the display of at least one image on said display device, and said processor is configured to determine the response of said display device as a function at least of one item of information transmitted by said detecting element when the image is displayed.

12. A home theater system, comprising:

a video source:

a projection system comprising a projector and a screen;

a video processor for receiving data from said video source and transmitting the data, after processing, to said projector;

at least one detecting element for measuring at least one displayed color characteristic of an image displayed on said projector, said processor converting said incoming video data into outgoing video data as a function of said at least one measured displayed color characteristic provided by said detecting element.

13. A method for processing video data, wherein the incoming video data are converted into outgoing video data by applying a correction function that takes into account the calorimetric response of at least one device to which said outgoing data are being sent.

14. A method for processing video data, wherein the incoming video data are converted into outgoing video data by applying a correction function that takes into account the calorimetric response of at least one device such to which said outgoing data are being sent.

15. A theater screening room, comprising:

a video source comprising a player of a medium on which video data are recorded or a video data receiver,

at least one projection system comprising a projector and

a screen disposed in the screening room,

at least one video data processing device for receiving data from said source and transmitting them, after processing, to said projector.

16. A method for processing video data, wherein the incoming video data are converted into outgoing video data by applying a correction function that takes into account the calorimetric response of at least one device to which said outgoing data are being sent.

17. A video system comprising:

at least one input for receiving incoming video data;

at least one output for delivering outgoing video data to a display device;

at least one processor for converting said incoming video data into outgoing video data based upon information provided by a detecting element, said detecting element detecting colorimetric characteristics of images displayed on said display.

18. The system of claim 17 wherein said detecting element comprises an optical sensor.

19. The system of claim 18 further comprising user operable controls for allowing a user to select desired colorimetric response characteristics for said display.

20. The system of claim 17 wherein said display comprises a projection display.

21. A video system comprising:

at least one input for receiving incoming video data;

at least one output for delivering outgoing video data to a display device;

at least one processor for converting said incoming video data into outgoing video data based upon a desired calorimetric response selected by a user via a user selection means.